GDHQNHL15_2pg-Dallas Stars 1

NJ Devils Gameday HQ

Dallas
STARS WESTERN CONFERENCE
Key Additions:
C Jason Spezza, G Anders
Lindback, RW Ales Hemsky
Key Subractions:
Ray Whitney, RW Alex Chiasson,
C Dustin Jeffrey, G Tim Thomas,
D Aaron Rome, C Nicholas Paul
Strengths:
Elite depth among the forward
group.
Weaknesses:
Marginal depth along the blue
line and weak special teams
play.
Offense
The Dallas Stars will be thanking the Boston Bruins for years to
come because of the acquisition of budding superstar Tyler Seguin prior
to the start of the 2013-14 season. Seguin showed the talent that made
him the second overall pick in 2010. His inaugural year in Dallas was a
resounding success as he compiled 37 goals and 47 assists. These statistics
put Seguin in the MVP conversation after helping to end the Stars’ playoff
drought at five seasons.
Teaming up with Seguin brought out the best in Stars’ captain Jamie
Benn. Prior to last season, Benn was a proven 20-goal scorer year in and
year out. With Seguin at his side, Benn broke out for 34 goals and 45
assists to set new career highs in both areas. The former fifth-rounder
teamed with the jettisoned Boston Bruin to form one of the top duos in
the entire NHL. These two players lead what has quickly become one of
the deepest and most talented groups of forwards in the league.
The reason for the improved depth is because of a key off-season
acquisition. Jason Spezza was the prize of the hot stove season as the
Stars landed the All-Star center in a trade from the Ottawa Senators.
With experience as a top-line center, Spezza (23 goals, 43 assists) will
now have a “lesser role” as he will take over as the second line pivot for
the Stars. He will be joined on the line by former Ottawa teammate Ales
Hemsky (13 goals, 30 assists), who signed this past off-season after being
traded to Ottawa during the year. Together, the pair had a hand in eleven
goals in 20 games after the trade. Management is hoping that they can
find that same spark in the Lone Star State.
Defense
The Stars’ defensive group is one that is steady, but not spectacular.
The headliner in this group is Minnesota-born Alex Goligoski as
he put up another solid year on the blue line. Since coming over
from the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2010-11 season, Goligoski
has consistently shown the offensive touch that the Stars have craved
since the days of Sergei Zubov. While the former second-rounder has put
up consistent numbers the last few years, last season was his best year in
Dallas as he put up 42 points (6 goals, 36 assists). Last year was the most
points he has put up since the 2010-11 campaign.
Trevor Daley, Goligoski’s defense partner, has proven to be a
consistent and steady defenseman for years. The ten-year pro had his
best defensive season last year with a plus/minus rating of +10. Daley’s
consistency will allow Goligoski to take more chances in the offensive
CENTRAL DIVISION
Jordie Benn
Jamie Sabau/NHL/Getty Images